Back to school

It’s back to the classroom on Monday for the first term of 2019 and we’re taking a look at progress at Midland Heart’s school-inspired housing development in Birmingham.

Built on the site of the former Sir Wilfrid Martineau Lower School, off Sheldon Hall Avenue at Shard End, the £8.2 million development is timetabled for completion early this year.

Local residents chose Martineau Road as the name for the new development to mark its link to the site and to the well-known Martineau family of Birmingham.

Pupils from the nearby Tile Cross Academy surveyed residents to choose the most popular name – also endorsed by the Tile Cross Residents Association - and helped us unveil the street sign in March 2018.

Midland Heart showcased Martineau Road to Shadow Housing Minister Melanie Onn MP in October who was impressed by the size and space of the standard units, quality of the build and that they were available at affordable rent.

Kerry, who has moved into a four bedroom property with her five children said: “We became homeless after the landlord wanted the house for a relative. After that, we were here, there and everywhere including living in one room of my parents’ flat.

“My new home is beautiful; it’s like a mansion after being squashed into one room. . I’ve always lived in this area so getting a house here was perfect as the children didn’t have to move schools or make new friends.”

Chris Etheridge, head teacher of Tile Cross Academy said: “I am really pleased that the heritage of the school is being reflected in the new development. I am also very proud that our pupils were able to work with local residents to help choose what the new road should be called.”

Our partners for the Martineau Road project are Westleigh Partnership Homes, now known as Countryside. The development brings 64 high-quality one-bedroom apartments for affordable rent and two, three and four bedroom properties for affordable rent and purchase through shared ownership.